How to calculate the price of a tattoo?
Today we’ll talk about factors that determines the price of a tattoo.
Below, you’ll find photo examples of tattoos along with their estimated pricing. These examples will help you visually understand how various factors, such as size, complexity, and body placement, influence the final price.
Here’s the hourly rate formula:
Price = (Hourly Rate) × (Time Required) + (Additional Fees for Complexity/Color/Placement)
Many tattoo artists charge a flat rate for each tattoo. I really think you should read the whole article to understand how artists come up with their rates.
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What determines the price of a tattoo?
The price of a tattoo can depend on several factors, including the artist’s skill level, size, placement on your body, and the complexity of the design. Before we dive into details, here’s a quick breakdown.
The hourly rates provided below are just for comparison, most small and medium tattoos are priced by the piece!
Artist Experience
- Junior Artist (1-3 years): $50-$130 per hour
- Experienced Artist (5+ years): $150-$300 per hour
- Pro or Famous Artist: $300-$500 per hour
Tattoo Size and Cost
- Tiny Tattoos (Under 2 inches): $100 – $200
- Medium Tattoos (3-6 inches): $350 – $850
- Large Tattoos (7-9 inches): $1000 – $1900
- XXL / Sleeve Tattoos: $3,500 – $12,000+
Other Factors
- Design Complexity: More detail = higher cost. An outline of a tattoo will cost significantly less than a full-color realistic tattoo of the same size.
- Location on Body: Some areas are tougher to tattoo (like ribs, neck, hands, fingers, face etc.), which increases time and price.
So, we talked about the things that affect how much a tattoo costs. Now let’s take a closer look at each one.
Tattoo Artist Skill Level & Pricing
When it comes to tattoo pricing, one of the biggest factors is the artist’s experience. Whether you’re getting inked by a junior artist, an experienced tattoo artist, or an award-winning pro, their skill level will impact the cost.
Let’s take a look at what different level artists charge.
Junior Artists
- Price Range: Typically lower, ranging from $50 to $130 per hour / $500 to $1000 per full day
- Why: If you are looking for an affordable rate, then a junior artist is a great choice. These artists are still building their portfolios. The quality of their work is okay, but they are slower than experienced tattooers.
Experienced Tattoo Artists
- Price Range: $150 to $300 per hour / $1200 to $1900 per full day
- Why: They have refined skills and can handle intricate work. Also, you’ll get a very good quality tattoo with less time in the chair, which means less pain.
Pro Tattoo Artists
- Price Range: $300+ per hour / $2000 to $3500 per full day
- Why: Pro tattoo artists are the top tier of tattooists. They have won awards or gained recognition in the tattoo community. Their expertise and custom artwork come at a premium price, and they may have a long waiting list.
Basic Tattoos Cost by Size and Skill Level
Size matters when it comes to tattoo pricing. Bigger tattoos take more time and skill, driving up the cost.
| Tattoo Size | Junior Artist | Expert Artist | Pro Artist |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tiny (Less than 2 inches) | $75 – $100 | $150 – $200 | N/A |
| Small (2-4 inches) | $150 – $300 | $200 – $450 | $400-1000 |
| Medium (4-6 inches) | $300 – $600 | $400 – $800 | $700 – $1,500 |
| Large or 1 Full day (7-12 inches) | $500 – $1000 | $900 – $1,900 | $2000 – $3,500 |
| Sleeve or Multiple Session Tattoo | $1500 – $3500+ | $3,500 – $8000+ | $7,500 – $12000+ |
Want to see pricing for your design?
Design Complexity, Body Placement & Cost
- Simple Designs: Less time, lower cost.
- Detailed, Custom, or Multi-Color Designs: More time, higher cost.
- Delicate Areas (ribs, neck, hands etc.): Expect higher rates for these areas due to difficulty.
- Easier Areas (arms, legs): More affordable.
Why?
- Placement affects pricing, as some areas of the body are harder to work on or more sensitive, requiring extra skill and precision.
- The intricacy of the tattoo plays a major role in cost. Simple black-line tattoos cost less, while detailed or multi-colored designs demand more time and effort.
Photo Examples of Tattoos with Pricing in Los Angeles
The photos show examples of tattoo sizing, complexity, and placement, but they don’t show the difference in quality between the tattoos done by junior, experienced, and pro artists.
Small Script Tattoo
- Size: 2 inches (5cm)
- Junior Artist: $100
- Experienced: $150 – 250
- Pro: N/A
Small Illustrative Tattoo
- Size: 2.5 x 2 inches (7 x 5 cm)
- Junior Artist: $150 – 250
- Experienced: $250 – 400
- Pro: N/A
Small Realistic Tattoo
- Size: 3 inches (7 – 8 cm)
- Junior Artist: $200 – 250
- Experienced: $300 – 400
- Pro: $400 – 500
Small Color Tattoo
- Size: 2.5 x 1.5 inches (6 x 3 cm)
- Junior Artist: $250 – 350
- Experienced: $350 – 450
- Pro: $400 – 500
Do you want to get inked in Los Angeles? We’re here to help!
Medium Script Tattoo
- Size: 3 x 5 inches (7 x 13 cm)
- Junior Artist: $300 – 400
- Experienced: $400 – 500
- Pro: $500 – $800
Medium Outline Tattoo
- Size: 3.5 x 4 inches (7 x 10 cm)
- Junior Artist: $250 – 350
- Experienced: $350 – 450
- Pro: $500 – 600
Medium Illustrative Tattoo
- Size: 3 x 3 inches (7 x 7cm)
- Junior Artist: $300 – 400
- Experienced: $400 – 500
- Pro: $600 – $800
Medium Realism Tattoo
- Size: 2 x 4 inches (5 x 10cm)
- Junior Artist: $300 – 400
- Experienced: $450 – 600
- Pro: $600 – 800
Medium Color Tattoo
- Size: 2 x 4 inches (5 x 10cm)
- Junior Artist: $300 – 400
- Experienced: $450 – 550
- Pro: $600 – 800
Medium Traditional Tattoo
- Size: 4 x 4 inches (10 x 10cm)
- Junior Artist: $300 – 400
- Experienced: $400 – 550
- Pro: $600 – $800
Medium Neo Traditional
- Size: 3.5 x 5 inches (9 x 12cm)
- Junior Artist: $400 – 500
- Experienced: $700 – 850
- Pro: $1000 – 1300
Medium High Detail Color
- Size: 4.5 x 3 inches (11 x 8 cm)
- Junior Artist: $500 – 700
- Experienced: $700 – 950
- Pro: $1000 – $1300
All prices listed are approximate. The price of each tattoo is determined individually, whether you get a quote online or in person.
Medium Portrait Tattoo
- Size: 3 x 4 inches (7 x 10cm)
- Junior Artist: $300 – 400
- Experienced: $500 – 700
- Pro: $800 – 1100
Medium Neck Tattoo
- Size: 4.5 x 3 inches (12 x 7cm)
- Junior Artist: Difficult placement
- Experienced: $700 – 900
- Pro: $900 – $1300
Medium Neck Tattoo
- Size: 4.5 x 3 inches (12 x 7cm)
- Junior Artist: Difficult placement
- Experienced: $700 – 1000
- Pro: $1000 – 1300
Medium Water Color
- Size: 5 x 4 inches (13 x 10 cm)
- Junior Artist: $500 – 700
- Experienced: $800 – 900
- Pro: $900 – $1300
Large Fine Line Tattoo
- Size: 7 x 3 inches (18 x 8 cm)
- Junior Artist: $ 500 – 600
- Experienced: $700 – 1000
- Pro: $1000 – 1300
One Large Fine Line
- Size: 8 x 4 inches (20 x 10 cm)
- Junior Artist: $600 – 800
- Experienced: $800 – 1000
- Pro: $1000 – $1300
Large Portrait Tattoo
- Size: 8 x 5 inches (20 x 13 cm)
- Sessions: 1 full day
- Junior Artist: $ 700 – 900
- Experienced: $1200 – 1800
- Pro: $2000 – 2500
Large Color Portrait
- Size: 8 x 5 inches (20 x 13 cm)
- Sessions: 1 full day
- Junior Artist: Too complicated
- Experienced: $1500 – 1900
- Pro: $2000 – 3000
Large Color Tattoo
- Size: 8 x 5 inches (20 x 13 cm)
- Sessions: 1 full day
- Junior Artist: Too complicated
- Experienced: $1200 – 1800
- Pro: $2000 – 2500
Large Color Anime Tattoo
- Size: 8 x 5 inches (20 x 13 cm)
- Sessions: 1 full day
- Junior Artist: $800 – 1000
- Experienced: $1200 – 1600
- Pro: $2000 – 2500
XL Forearm + Hand Tattoo
- Size: 12 x 6 inches (30 x 15 cm)
- Sessions: 1 – 1.5
- Junior Artist: $1200 – 1400
- Experienced: $1500 – 2400
- Pro: $2500 – 3500
Large Lower Leg Tattoo
- Size: 8 x 5 inches (20 x 13 cm)
- Sessions: 1 full day
- Junior Artist: $800 – 1000
- Experienced: $1200 – 1600
- Pro: $2000 – 2500
Large Floral Tattoo
- Size: 8 x 5 inches (20 x 13 cm)
- Sessions: 1 full day
- Junior Artist: $700 – 900
- Experienced: $1,200 – 1,600
- Pro: $2,000 – 2,500
Large Detailed Hip Tattoo
- Size: 8 x 5 inches (20 x 13 cm)
- Sessions: 1 full day
- Junior Artist: $800 – 1,000
- Experienced: $1,200 – 1,600
- Pro: $2,000 – 2,500
XL Black & Gray Tattoo
- Size: 12 x 8 inches (30 x 20 cm)
- Sessions: 1 – 1.5
- Junior Artist: $ 1,000 – 1,200
- Experienced: $1,200 – 1,800
- Pro: $2,000 – 3,500
XL Upper Arm
- Size: 12 x 7 inches (30 x 18 cm)
- Sessions: 1.5 – 2
- Junior Artist: $1,300 – 1,600
- Experienced: $1,800 – 2,500
- Pro: $3,000 – 5,000
Get up to 20% discount for XL or XXL tattoo. Mention this secret code “XL-PRICED” when inquiring.
*For new clients only
XXL Sleeve + Chest Tattoo
- Size: XXL
- Sessions: 6 – 8
- Junior Artist: Too complicated
- Experienced: $8000 – $12,000
- Pro: $12,000 – $20,000
XXL Outer Arm Sleeve
- Size: XXL
- Sessions: 2.5 – 3.5
- Junior Artist: Too complicated
- Experienced: $3600 – $6000
- Pro: $6000 – $8000
XXL Color Outer Arm Sleeve
- Size: XXL
- Sessions: 3 – 4
- Junior Artist: Too complicated
- Experienced: $4500 – $6000
- Pro: $6000 – $9000
XXL Color Sleeve Tattoo
- Size: XXL
- Sessions: 6 – 8
- Junior Artist: Too complicated
- Experienced: $9000 – $12,000
- Pro: $12,000 – $20,000
XXL Color Outer Leg Sleeve
- Size: XXL
- Sessions: 3 – 4
- Junior Artist: Too complicated
- Experienced: $4500 – $6000
- Pro: $6000 – $9000
XXL B&G Outer Leg Sleeve
- Size: XXL
- Sessions: 3 – 4
- Junior Artist: Too complicated
- Experienced: $4500 – $6000
- Pro: $6000 – $9000
Why People Choose Our Studio in Los Angeles?
Our goal is to find a perfect match for you. We work with more than 20 artists which allow us to find a solution for your specific budget and tattoo style you love!
- 5 Star Rated Studio with 285+ reviews
- We maintain the highest standards of hygiene and customer service.
- Transparent pricing – no hidden fees.
- Custom designs tailored to your style.
Adil Bari
2024-11-11
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Dima was amazing. Helped me get my tattoo just right and in the perfect spot
Kasandra Alvizures
2024-11-06
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.My experience at art collector tattoo was the best. Their environment is very welcoming and my artist Anzhelika made sure I was comfortable the whole time. During our session she listened to every small detail I wanted & helped me develop my design. Overall she is very talented & I 100% recommend. I’m in love with my new tattoo!
Jonathan Probert
2024-11-04
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Long but great experience with Urus. Tattoo looks great, exactly what I wanted. Urus made sure I was comfortable and did great work.
Alfonso Ramirez
2024-11-03
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.This place is amazing 5 stars got my first tattoo here the experience was amazing. Pasha was awesome throughout the whole process and did an amazing job on my first tattoo 👏 phenomenal work 10/10.
Alberto
2024-11-03
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.I picked this parlor randomly and I end up to have one of the best experience ever getting some ink done. Ana knows how to give a warm welcoming smile to the clients as soon you pull the door open. I was assigned to Pasha( based on his specialty techniques). The man knows what he’s doing! He helped through the entire process. I barely felt he was working on a sensitive area of my body ! I highly recommend this joint ! Clean, quiet, reserved..a very happy place to get some ink on you. I’ll be back next month for a new piece of art. See you soon Art Collector Tattoo
Ps: did I mention complimentary snacks, sodas n water?c’mon.. awesome!
*Jacob Washburn*
2024-10-30
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Got this done back towards first of the year from Eric, he did a great job. I recommend to everybody!!
Layne Gaebel
2024-10-25
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.pasha was really nice and did great work
Nevis Barriga
2024-10-20
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Excelente experiencia, muy amables y escuchan todo lo que necesites, hospitalidad muy acogedora. Mí tatuador Pasha es muy comprensivo, con Excelente pulso al hacer su trabajo y te hace sentir cómodo. Lo recomiendo 100% GRACIAS POR TODO
Tara Egger
2024-10-17
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.It’s a pleasure to leave a review for Ruslan and Art Collector Tattoo. I worked with Ruslan and I’m very happy with the results. I initially went in with my plan for a coverup tattoo and had two consultations before deciding on a design. Ruslan provided me design feedback that made my initial plan even better. He was super patient and professional and has incredible artistic abilities. I’ve received several compliments already. The studio appeared clean, welcoming with good sanitary and hygiene practices. Ruslan made sure to instruct me on how to properly care for my tattoo as it heals. I’m sure all be back for another! In my experience this artist and facility are a solid choice and you won’t be disappointed!
Payne
2024-10-12
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Pasha went above and beyond my expectations, it turned out so much better than I could have imagined! Everything from booking to finished tattoo was phenomenal! Pasha made sure I was comfortable from start to finish. I thought it was going to hurt 10x's worse then it did, he has a light hand and loves what he does! Top Notch Artist, True Professional this was my first tattoo and I'll definitely be back!
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